129 episodes

More than 20% of churchgoers are survivors of childhood sexual abuse, but sadly, church is the last place that most victims of abuse feel safe to go for help. I'm Kelly Downing, a survivor and advocate who wants to see that change. Survivor Sanctuary is a podcast for survivors of sexual abuse who are navigating the road to healing, and for anyone who wants to be a part of the major heart renovation the church needs so that our faith communities can truly become sanctuaries for survivors. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/survivorsanctuary/support

Survivor Sanctuary Kelly Downing

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 4.9 • 37 Ratings

More than 20% of churchgoers are survivors of childhood sexual abuse, but sadly, church is the last place that most victims of abuse feel safe to go for help. I'm Kelly Downing, a survivor and advocate who wants to see that change. Survivor Sanctuary is a podcast for survivors of sexual abuse who are navigating the road to healing, and for anyone who wants to be a part of the major heart renovation the church needs so that our faith communities can truly become sanctuaries for survivors. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/survivorsanctuary/support

    Episode 128: Can Someone Please Glue John MacArthur's Mouth Shut? Asking for Survivors.

    Episode 128: Can Someone Please Glue John MacArthur's Mouth Shut? Asking for Survivors.

    Just when I think John MacArthur couldn't possibly say anything worse than all the terrible things he's already said, he goes and surprises me. Recently, dear John stated publicly that mental health disorders aren't real, and that children who take medication for them may end up as drug addicts and criminals. On today's episode, we'll talk about why these comments are particularly harmful for survivors of sexual abuse.

    BECOME A PATRON!

    RESOURCES:

    John MacArthur Denies Mental Illness


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    • 43 min
    Episode 127: One Church, Three Sexual Predators

    Episode 127: One Church, Three Sexual Predators

    Ignite Life Center, an Assemblies of God Church in Gainesville, Florida, has been in the news since last summer due to repeated arrests for the sexual abuse of minors. So, how do three predators end up in the same church? We chat about it on today's episode.

    BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST!

    Want to share your story of church sexual abuse?

    RESURCES:

    Three Lawsuits Filed Against Ignite Life Center

    More Sexual Abuse Arrests Made at Ignite Life Center


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    • 35 min
    Episode 126: Florida Keys SBC Pastor Arrested for Sexually Assaulting Teen Girl

    Episode 126: Florida Keys SBC Pastor Arrested for Sexually Assaulting Teen Girl

    This story hits close to home, as in, just down the road from where I live. A Southern Baptist pastor in the Keys has been arrested after a 15-year-old girl says he plied her with alcohol and assaulted her on a couch inside the church. Even all the media scrutiny over the SBC's handling of sexual abuse, public outrage, lawsuits and the their focus on "Caring Well" doesn't seem to be deterring their leaders from sex crimes against children.


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    • 29 min
    Episode 125: Why Survivors Protect Their Abusers

    Episode 125: Why Survivors Protect Their Abusers

    A common theme among survivors of clergy sexual abuse is victims feeling a responsibility to protect their abuser from being "found out." On today's episode, we're taking a look at Tammy Woods's open letter to Mike Bickle of IHOPKC, and tackling the question, why do abuse victims so often feel the need to protect the people who abuse them?

    BECOME A PATRON OF THE PODCAST AND SUPPORT SURVIVOR SANCTUARY!

    RESOURCES:

    Open Letter to Mike Bickle from Alleged Victim Tammy Woods


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    • 41 min
    Episode 124: Mike Bickle Accused of Sexually Abusing Girls Ages 14, 15

    Episode 124: Mike Bickle Accused of Sexually Abusing Girls Ages 14, 15

    The plot has thickened in the IHOP KC / Mike Bickle saga, with two women claiming that Bickle began sexually abusing them when they were only 14 and 15 years old, dating all the way back to the beginning of Bickle's ministry in the 1970s. Are we dealing with a "struggling" sheep, or a wolf who is struggling to keep his sheep's clothing from slipping? We chat about it on today's episode.

    BECOME A PATRON!

    RESOURCES:

    Woman Claims Mike Bickle Sexually Abused Her When She Was 14

    3rd Woman Says Mike Bickle Sexually Abused Her, Beginning at 15


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    • 41 min
    Episode 123: Paige and Andy Weber on International House of Prayer and Mike Bickle (Part 2)

    Episode 123: Paige and Andy Weber on International House of Prayer and Mike Bickle (Part 2)

    Today we're finishing up our chat with Andy Weber and Paige Weber, MA, MO-PLPC, EMDR, former staffers at International House of Prayer, where founder Mike Bickle has been accused by multiple women of grooming and sexual abuse.

    BECOME A PATRON!

    RESOURCES:

    The Roys Report Articles on Mike Bickle and IHOPKC


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    • 43 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
37 Ratings

37 Ratings

raswhiting ,

Consistently good shows

Kelly is a professional at podcasts who is passionate and expert about protecting children from sexual abusers.

Charis Barker ,

Thank You

I truly appreciate you speaking out, Kelly. Your podcasts are relatable and relevant. As a survivor, it means a lot to be seen and understood.

abbyh82 ,

One of a kind

This podcast is validating, easy to listen to (as in, she has a great speaking voice) but full of hard things. I have leaned a lot and felt less like I’m the only one who has experienced abuse in the church and the consequences of that. Thanks, Kelly!

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